Dolbadarn Castle & Llyn Padarn
Castell Dolbadarn
A round tower built by a 13th-century Welsh prince stands alone on the shore of Llyn Padarn, with the famous “Lonely Tree” by the lake.
Castell Dolbadarn was built by Llywelyn the Great in the early 13th century to guard the Llanberis Pass. Only a round stone tower about 15 metres high survives, and visitors can climb it for free to enjoy views over Llyn Padarn and the Snowdon mountains. Llyn Padarn is a glacial lake where you can go boating and swimming along the shore. The narrow-gauge Padarn Lake Railway runs beside the lake, and the “Lonely Tree” on the west shore is a popular photo spot. The castle is about a 10-minute walk from Llanberis village and is free to enter. The National Slate Museum and the mountain railway station are both within walking distance.
Opening hours
Open all day (free)
Nearby sights
- National Slate Museum
- Snowdon Mountain Railway
- Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
- Zip World Penrhyn Quarry (Velocity 2)
- Cwm Idwal
- Welsh Highland Railway
- Beddgelert
- Penrhyn Castle